Fudgy Chocolate Zucchini Brownies

I promise no one will guess there’s a vegetable hidden inside these healthy brownies.  

“The secret ingredient in fudgy brownies? 🥒 Zucchini! It adds moisture, fibre, vitamin C and potassium—without making your brownies taste like vegetables.”

You may wonder how do they really  taste ? 

But be rest assured these brownies turn out rich and fudgy, and that too with ingredients list that is way healthier than the average brownies.  Made with whole wheat and oats flour, 75% dark chocolate and more. 

Now where else can you find a combination of healthy ingredients and unbeatable flavours - only at DeliciouslyURS!  A nutrition & healthy recipes blogsite, where the constant focus has been on recreating gut-friendly, better-for-you options without compromising on taste. 

Ingredients : 

• 1 cup grated zucchini — about 120–130 g 
• ¼ cup whole-wheat flour 
• ¼ oats flour
• ½ cup unsweetened cocoa powder 
• ¼  cup monkfruit sweetner
• 2 tbsps coconut sugar 
• ¼ cup melted butter or coconut oil 
• 1 large egg 
• 1 tsp vanilla extract 
• ½ tsp baking powder 
• ¼ tsp salt 
• ½ cup dark chocolate chips 
• 2 tbsp milk, only if needed 
• 2 tbsp chopped walnuts — optional 

Method : 

1. Preheat oven to 175°C. Line an 8-inch square baking pan with parchment paper.
2. Prepare the zucchini: Grate it finely. Lightly squeeze out excess water, but don't make it completely dry—the moisture is what keeps the brownies fudgy. 
3. In a bowl, whisk together the egg, melted butter, sugar and vanilla. 
4. Add the grated zucchini and mix well. 
5. In another bowl, combine whole-wheat flour, oats flour, cocoa powder, baking powder and salt. 
6. Gently fold the dry ingredients into the zucchini mixture. Don't overmix. 
7. Fold in the chocolate chips and walnuts. If the batter looks unusually thick, add 1–2 tbsp milk. 
8. Transfer to the prepared pan and spread evenly. Sprinkle a few extra chocolate chips on top. 
9. Bake for 25–30 minutes. The centre should still look slightly soft when you remove it from the oven. 
10. Cool completely before slicing. For extra-fudgy brownies, refrigerate for 30–60 minutes before cutting. 

Nutritional insight: 

• Zucchini is a great addition to brownies because it adds moisture, fibre and micronutrients without significantly increasing calories.
• Low in calories – Zucchini is very low in energy, making it useful for lighter recipes. 
• Good source of fibre – Supports healthy digestion, bowel regularity and satiety. 
• Rich in vitamin C – Helps support normal immune function and provides antioxidant protection. 
• Provides potassium – Potassium contributes to normal muscle and nerve function and helps maintain healthy fluid balance. 
• Contains vitamin B6 – Important for protein metabolism and normal nervous-system function. 
• Provides folate (vitamin B9) – Supports normal cell division and red blood cell formation. 
• Contains antioxidants – Zucchini provides compounds such as carotenoids that help protect cells from oxidative stress. 
• High water content – Adds moisture to baked goods while contributing very few calories. 
• Naturally low in fat – Makes it an easy way to add volume and nutrients without adding much fat. 
• May help with fullness – Its combination of water and fibre can increase the volume of a recipe.